Government review finds no sign of mass over-diagnosis of ADHD and autism, but a system that makes people wait for a label before help
A review led by Professor Peter Fonagy reported on mental health, ADHD and autism services in England. It found that mental distress among children and young people has risen a lot and that the present system falls short. Referrals and diagnoses have risen sharply, but the review could not conclude that over-diagnosis is happening at scale. The Guardian highlighted the risk of system failures and the BBC the risk of over-diagnosis. It recommends responding to need sooner, and reports say all ADHD and autism assessments will be regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Waiting lists for assessment are long and private providers have grown, and ministers have linked the debate to the cost of sickness benefits.
If you or your child are waiting for an assessment, ask your GP what support is available while you wait.
Regulating assessments protects patients and public money.
Regulation without more clinicians will lengthen the queue.
The test is whether support starts before diagnosis. Look for the funding and the timetable for CQC regulation.
DailyDrop U.K. edition No. 5 · Morning · FRI., OCT. 9, 2026